Some stores post signs requesting customers not bring any beverages inside. At Highway 12 in downtown Sonoma, it's not only allowed, it's encouraged, with an on-site bar offering free drinks among the stylishly displayed merchandise.

In a novel combination, most of the shop is a home accessories boutique, while a section offers complimentary tastings and sells wines from Michael Sebastiani, of the well-known Sebastiani winemaking family. With its location in a graceful brick building on the southeast edge of Sonoma Plaza, Highway 12 is a one-stop destination for customers in search of everything from a pretty ceramic chicken, to a floral bedspread, to a nice bottle of 2010 Chardonnay Nueva from Carneros ($19.50).

The vibe: The long, wooden bar is large, with plenty of space to rest elbows upon as you contemplate eight wines offered for free sampling, and four reserve wines offered for a $5 fee that's waived with bottle purchase. While you sip, you can gaze at the cacophony of decorator pieces all around - hand-stitched stuffed dogs, embellished picture frames, artsy books, plateware, purses, and a colorful landscape mural that takes up most of one wall.

The experience: Our hostess had the bottles lined up on the bar, ready and waiting for however many wines we wanted to try. The shop's name, she explained, comes because Sebastiani works with grower-partners featuring vineyards neighboring the Highway 12 corridor that runs through the Sonoma Valley and Carneros District. The winery itself is nearby, on Eighth Street East between Highway 12 and Napa Road.

The team: Michael Sebastiani is the owner and winemaker. He began working for his family business, starting at Viansa winery in Sonoma, and in 2003, founded the Highway 12 project with partners Paul Giusto and Doug Offenbacher. Giusto directs sales, while Offenbacher directs marketing.

The wines: A taster could spend a fine time at this bar/store, sipping from the lengthy collection and browsing the cheerful clutter of merchandise. Among the reserves, one signature blend is called the Highwayman Proprietary Red ($42), made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Others in the lineup follow the roadway and neighborhood concept, too, including a Carneros Highway Chardonnay ($18), a Mission Hardware Old Sonoma Red ($14.50; the tasting room is one block from the Sonoma Mission), a La Piazza Zinfandel ($32; Piazza translates to the Square/Plaza), and a La Piazza Super Tuscan ($38).

The extras: There is plenty to explore literally next door, with an array of restaurants, shops and picnic opportunities surrounding the Plaza. And if you happen to be seeking a crystal chandelier while finding yourself thirsty for some Chardonnay, look no further than the colorful store itself.